Realchangemcr

10/10/2026

17/09/2026

It's that time again..
We’re continuing to introduce the people who help shape our work, consider funding applications and ensure donations reach people and make the biggest difference.
This week, meet the brilliant Alixandra Moreleigh, Director of Services and Innovation at Booth Centre.

Alix first came across Real Change MCR while volunteering at the Booth Centre in 2016, where she saw first-hand the meaningful difference timely, direct support can make.
"Real Change MCR can help people recognise their strengths, build on their skills and create a better future.
It is a gem in a complicated maze of systems: simple to access, direct to the person and unique. It embodies what Manchester is - a place of real change."

As a panel member, Alix reviews
anonymised funding applications and helps make decisions about support.
"There are always nuances to consider, but it is important to approach every application from a solutions-focused position."
One part of the work that stays with Alix is seeing people make the move from the streets into a place they can truly call home.
"Moving off the streets is hard enough.
Having nothing to make a new space feel warm, welcoming or safe can make it even harder to settle.
Supporting someone with items that bring comfort and help turn a house into a home can make a real difference."

Alix also highlights that homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all issue. People's experiences, circumstances and routes into homelessness differ greatly - and so should the support available to them.
"Everyone has unique experiences that have shaped them. We should work collaboratively with people, responding to the support they identify as most helpful and helping them set goals that are achievable for them."
What gives Alix hope is the strength of Manchester's community.
"From small volunteer groups and students to established charities, there are always people and organisations ready to support others.
Manchester is a real, caring, welcoming and genuine city. That is why I have stayed here for 15 years."

There are many ways that local people and businesses can help: through volunteering, donations, fundraising or offering specialist skills. Alix would also like to see businesses create secure opportunities for people rebuilding their lives.
"We would welcome more businesses ring-fencing supported work placements and entry-level jobs.
Secure employment can be a vital step towards preventing people becoming stuck in the cycle of homelessness."
Please remember, small acts of kindness add up.
"Regular, small donations to Real Change MCR can help someone on their journey out of homelessness. That is huge."

Thank you, Alix, for being part of the Real Change MCR panel and for bringing such a thoughtful, person-centred approach to our work.

Please consider making a donation, sharing this post and following Real Change MCR to see the impact your support has in Manchester.

https://realchangemanchester.co.uk/

17/09/2026

A HUGE THANK
YOU TO MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
We are incredibly grateful to the Conferences and Events team at
Manchester Metropolitan University for their amazing support of Real Change
MCR over the past 10 years.
Through their generous scheme of donating £1 from their day delegate rate, they have contributed an incredible £50,000 towards helping to end homelessness in Manchester Alongside this, they have supported us through student events, 10K runs and numerous other activities.
A special thank you to Gemma Hill, Head of the Conference Team, for her kind words and recognition of the work we do together, and for acknowledging James's additional voluntary time and commitment to Chairing the funding Panel.
Thank you for all your support to and helping make a real change to people experiencing homelessness in our city.

17/09/2026

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
This week, Real Change Manchester received 11 one off donations via Localgiving, totalling £565, plus £88.75 in Gift Aid.
Most of these donations carried a variation of the heartfelt message “In memory of Professor John Moore.”
We are deeply touched by this wonderful tribute and grateful to everyone who has chosen to honour his memory by supporting our work to help people experiencing homelessness in Manchester.

Thank you for turning remembrance into real change. 💚💛

DONATE NOW | How we help | Accessibility Helping people experiencing homelessness Real Change MCR is a fund to help people experiencing homelessness in Manchester to pay for practical items that they need to build lives away from the streets.The fund is used by Manchester homelessness organisations....

17/09/2026

The Real Change MCR fund is used by Manchester homelessness organisations and charities who provide long-term support on the journey to
independent living. In its 10 years of existing, over £476,486 has been raised and more than 1,849 people have been helped.

Among others, Real Change MCR helps the following organisations to support people to escape homelessness: Barnabus, Booth Centre, Caritas (Cornerstone), Coffee4Craig, Riverside, Ourroom, Ancoats Urban Village Medical Practice, Supporting People in Need, SSG Sustainable Living, Justlife, Waythrough, Victoria House/Sanctuary Support Living, Lifeshare, On the Out CIC, MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health), Mustard Tree, Reach Out to the Community- ROC, Shelter, Manchester City of Sanctuary, Greater Together Manchester , Manchester City Mission, Emmaus South Manchester and is assisted by Manchester City Council and Manchester Homelessness Partnership.

17/09/2026

With huge thanks to Selfridges for pledging a generous donation to Real Change MCR. Real Change is the fund that supports people to move off the streets and into their own accommodation - transforming donations into deposits, rent and everyday essentials for those ready to leave street homelessness behind.
The instore team have also been collecting and donating items from colleagues - including bags of toiletries and clothing.
The cash donation coincides with Real Change MCR's 10th anniversary.
The Fund is supported by Manchester homelessness charities, businesses, and city partners and stakeholders including CityCo and Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District.
Thank you to the team at Selfridges Exchange Square for getting behind the cause.

You can find more information about Real Change MCR here👇🏼

https://realchangemanchester.co.uk/

16/09/2026

This morning, the Real Change Panel Members were delighted to host our monthly meeting at Manchester Town Hall, following an invitation from Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Statutory Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council.
The Real Change MCR Panel is made up of dedicated volunteers who give their time, knowledge and expertise to help run, manage and allocate funding to support people experiencing homelessness.
Our panel brings together representatives from Manchester Metropolitan University, Booth Centre, Reach Out to the Community, CityCo, Game FM, Encore, Riverside and Manchester City Council.

It was a very productive meeting and it was lovely to meet Councillor Tracey Rawlins and have the opportunity to discuss the Real Change MCR Fund, the work we do and the impact we make across Manchester.
A huge thank you to Councillor Rawlins for the invitation and for taking the time to meet with us.
Together, we continue working towards positive Real Change 💚

16/09/2026

💛THANK YOU,MANCHESTER💙
From all of us at Real Change Manchester we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, from April to September 2026, we've been able to award £126,000 in support to 122 people.
Your donations have helped people facing homelessness with deposits and rent in advance, white goods and essential household items, giving people the opportunity to move forward and create a place to call home.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
Thank you for helping make real change happen in Manchester
Together, we're making a difference.

16/09/2026

Steph from charity
Reach Out to the Community explains how our fund works and how your donations make such a huge difference to people's lives.
Real life changes can take place thanks to the support you give.
Find out more and donate:
realchangemcr.co.uk